The 27 year old defender has been linked with a £500,000 switch to the DW Stadium after falling out-of-favour at his present club Norwich.
The former Luton Town and West Brom defender is known for his pace a versatility, being able to function primarily at centre back, but also in midfiedl or at full back.
Latics boss Coyle revealed to the Wigan Evening Post: “We’re pursuing a centre-back at the moment. There is good dialogue between the two clubs so we’ll see how that transpires.
“I’m still trying to bring in one more striker as well, so we’re looking at three maybe four players in total.”
Coyle has been busy in the transfer market this summer and the addition of Barnett would represent another shrewd move by the new manager.